Viet Nam’s southernmost tip Năm Căn District in Cà Mau Province has earned a reputation as home to some of the finest female crabs in the country. The district’s crab farms are not only the go-to place for crab farmers in the Mekong Delta but also farmers nationwide.

Starting from just a few farms managed by a handful of families who wanted to use their unused land lots, female crab farming has become the district’s economic spearhead with dozens of farms employing hundreds of workers.

Local farmers also organised their own local co-operative to pool resources for advanced farming technology and capital security.

One of the pioneers of the trade, Đoàn Văn Tuyên, head of the co-operative said it takes up to 15 days to raise his crabs before they are ready for sale. Tuyên and his family run more than 70 hatcheries, bringing a monthly income of US$600-800.

The process starts with farmers hand-picking healthy female crabs that weigh 450-600gr. They must later be cleaned and cared for in a bucket with ample oxygen.

According to the farmers, the district enjoys a significant advantage in crab farming due to its proximity to the sea. Water salinity is often stable at 25-30 per cent, ideal for raising crabs. There are also abundant sources of food for them in the area.

Part of a crab farm with hundreds of buckets prepared for a new batch of female crabs.

Baby crabs in a nursery pond. Năm Căn crab farms produce tens of millions for the market on a monthly basis.

A farmer feeds his crabs at a farm in Năm Căn District.

Chosen female crabs are cleaned and kept in separate buckets with ample oxygen.

Farmers must make sure they hand pick the most healthy and fertile female crabs for optimal productivity.